Had a 2nd phone interview just now with the manager of the department I'm applying too, rather than an HR person like last time.

I think it went really well, The guy was kinda awkward for what I know of managers thus far in my career, but he seemed chill and friendly and a lot more interested to talk about technology than the 'business' side of stuff lol.

He liked my experience and we talked a bit about what tech stuff I do outside of my current work since that's closer to what I'm applying for if not exactly comparable.

I asked at one point how employee reviews are done and dude said HR is mad at him cause he's 3 reviews behind where they say he should have done and he says he doesn't find them useful unless an employee is obviously doing bad un-quality work, so he ignores them.

Lol, I like him a lot more than my current manager from 1 call, and I had a more technical conversation in half an hour than these past 6 months combined.

I hope I get an offer, or at least another interview with that guy.